Cayenne Wellness Center is set to host its 20th Annual Sickle Cell Disease Educational Summit from September 16 to 20, 2026, at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown in Long Beach, California. This milestone event, themed "20/20 Vision: Our Legacy Continues," brings together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates to address the latest developments and persistent challenges in sickle cell disease (SCD) care.
The summit's significance extends beyond its anniversary. In 1910, Dr. James B. Herrick first described the unusual sickle-shaped cells in Walter Clement Noel. Over a century later, the SCD community has witnessed remarkable progress, including two FDA-approved gene therapies and three disease-modifying treatments. Yet, as Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director and Founder of Cayenne Wellness Center, emphasizes, "We honor how far we have come, but we also recognize how far we still have to go." The summit is a testament to the vision of advocates like Stephanie Mulkey, whose demand for better care sparked this annual gathering.
The five-day program covers a wide range of topics essential to those affected by SCD. Wednesday focuses on treatment and research, with sessions on FDA-approved therapies, gene therapy, and community-engaged research, including a unique panel of physicians living with SCD. Thursday explores wellness and reproductive health, offering integrative therapies like acupuncture and sound healing, alongside discussions on sickle cell trait and family planning. Friday addresses living with SCD across the lifespan, from transition and careers to aging and financial planning, culminating in an awards ceremony and benefit concert. Saturday emphasizes mental health and technology, with sessions on trauma, AI in medicine, and storytelling. The summit concludes Sunday with a visit to the Scar Stories Exhibit, an artistic reflection on SCD experiences.
This year's summit is made possible with Agios as the Ruby Level title sponsor, reflecting growing industry commitment to SCD. Registration is open for all interested participants. Vendor and exhibitor opportunities are also available for organizations seeking to connect with the community.
The summit is more than a conference; it is a rallying point for a community that continues to demand better. As Dr. Rowley notes, the event is "a testament to every Warrior, caregiver, healthcare professional, advocate, and visionary like Stephanie who believed that people living with sickle cell disease deserved more." With the theme "20/20 Vision," the summit not only reflects on the past but also looks forward to a future where SCD receives the attention and resources it deserves.
For those affected by SCD, this summit offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate progress while addressing ongoing gaps in care. It underscores the importance of continued advocacy and education in improving the lives of those living with sickle cell disease. As the community gathers in Long Beach, the legacy of Stephanie Mulkey and countless others will be honored, and the push for more awareness, more treatment options, and more support will continue.
To register or learn more, visit the [Cayenne Wellness Center's registration page](https://cayennewellness.org/scd-educational-summit-2026/). For vendor and exhibitor inquiries, see the [vendor reservation page](https://tinyurl.com/SVENDOR2026).
